Portnikov tells about Gregory Stepanets, American philanthropist, who bequeathed USD 1 million to Zaluzhnyi

Journalist Vitaliy Portnikov told about this on Espreso TV.

"I have known about this story since last fall. Mr. Gregory Stepanets was alive, he was seriously ill. I was approached by his friends who knew about his desire to write his will in a way that would help Ukraine. They asked me how realistic it was to find the contacts of the people and organizations that Stepanets wanted to help. After his death, I learned that he had fulfilled his wish," he said.

The journalist shared his opinion of Mr. Stepanets.

"This man was an opponent of the Soviet regime, went to the United States, where he could realize his potential. He was a respected person who had political views, values, and scientific talent. This man decided to help the country he had always loved and respected, and for whose ideals he had fought. Mr. Stepanets signed the letter in support of dissidents," Portnikov emphasized.

Portnikov shared what else was in Stepanets' will.

"As far as I know, this will allocated funds not only to Zaluzhnyi. Mr. Stepanets addressed Zaluzhnyi as a person he could trust when he left such a sum in inheritance. He was sure that the money would end up with the Ukrainian military. Stepanets also allocated significant sums to Ukrainian education - the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and the Ukrainian Catholic University," the journalist said.

Portnikov added that Stepanets wanted to help develop the Ukrainian language and Ukraine as a civilization.

"This was also his wish, his last will. It was the Ukrainian language that was in question, so the institutions that are known for their civilization-forming influence on what is happening in our country. The younger generation also received money in his will. There was also the Khoreya Kozatska choir. This is also a very important story, and it shows the support of Ukrainian culture as well. Yes, funds were also allocated to the Israeli Defense Forces. Obviously, Mr. Stepanets wanted to be respectful of all his roots, the countries that are fighting for their existence. Mr. Stepanets did not want any kind of PR, but wanted to be remembered and to be able to help solve specific problems that he considered the most important at the end of his very decent life - freedom of Ukraine, education of Ukraine, culture of Ukraine, and the Ukrainian language. You can only bow your head in front of such people," he concluded.